Tim Constantine
Columns by Tim Constantine
Why Washington may want to place its trust in Iraq’s sitting PM al-Sudani
As the Trump administration engages in negotiations with Iran, preserving the relatively newfound stability in Iran's next-door neighbor Iraq becomes a strategic priority for the United States. Published April 14, 2026
Trump and Iran: Crazy like a fox
Much of the world, including a majority of Americans, was not thrilled when President Trump launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Another Middle Eastern war? There was no appetite for it. Published April 10, 2026
Trouble in Dubai may open doors for Kyrgyzstan’s Financial Investment Territory
Dubai long ago established itself as a financial hub, handling huge sums of money in the form of global investment. Modern, stocked with shrewd and educated executives, and traditionally safe and stable, Dubai has joined Singapore as a place where investors and global markets are comfortable trading their wares. Published March 18, 2026
Objections to CBS News chief demonstrate sad state of American journalism
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss was scheduled to give a talk to journalism students at UCLA on Feb. 27. It didn't happen. The university canceled the event. Published March 13, 2026
Lack of civility at State of the Union suggests a surprise is coming for both parties
The lack of civility in our two-party system was on full display at the State of the Union speech this week, and while it may be gaining steam, it is nothing new. Published February 26, 2026
Backroom politics resembles pro wrestling, even in the Middle East
When I was a young man, I would tell my father that politics was a lot like professional wrestling, except the key difference was that a lot of the wrestlers were actually likable. Published February 20, 2026
While America and Iran boil over, Oman is the voice of reason
Since 1979, America's most consistent foe has been Iran. Since the fall of the shah, when American hostages were taken and held for 444 days, there has been no love lost between the two nations. Published January 15, 2026
Trump cures cancer: Democrats and media upset
I have long said that if President Trump cured cancer, CNN would run a story complaining that he put doctors out of work. Published January 6, 2026
Don’t be fooled — no one in D.C. is trying to solve health-care costs
Is the government really trying to solve a problem or simply trying to placate the public until the next popularity poll comes out? Published December 18, 2025
What if the government became the Mafia? It already has
In America in recent years, we've seen certain elements of the government used much the way the Mob exercises its authority. Published November 4, 2025
What is the government’s role in fighting crime? Don’t ask France
France makes an interesting contrast with Donald Trump's American crackdown on crime. As French President Emmanuel Macron reshuffles his government for the second time in six months, the French state appears paralyzed in the face of a surge in violent, international crime and doesn't seem to have any plan to deal with it. Published October 17, 2025
The real reason Jeffrey Epstein is back in the news
Jeffrey Epstein is back in the news. Published October 14, 2025
Good news from the Middle East: Iraq-Turkey pipeline reopens, with U.S. help
As the world gathered for the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, many of the news reports focused on hopes to end the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. While the ravages of war clearly warrant attention, it is important that good news from around the globe not be lost in the shuffle. Published September 26, 2025
Squelching political dissent is slippery slope
Much has been said, written and experienced in Washington about the current partisan divide in the country and how angry so many people are. Published August 8, 2025
Cooperation in the Middle East boosted as Iraq hosts 34th Arab League Summit
I attended the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, Iraq, this past week. Baghdad took tremendous pride in serving as host. It has been a remarkable turnaround for Iraq. The country was war-torn and tattered, suffering from corruption and a variety of unique challenges for more than 20 years. Published May 22, 2025
WATCH: Is democracy dead in Romania?
You may recall that after Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, there was an investigation, lasting nearly two years and costing more than $30 million, into claims of Russian collusion with Mr. Trump during the election. Published March 17, 2025
20 years later: What does Iraq think of the United States?
Nearly 20 years since Iraq created a new Constitution assuring that people of all religions and ethnicities would be represented in their national government and treated equally, how is this important Middle East state faring? How is America perceived? During a recent trip to Baghdad, I sat down with President Abdul Latif Rashid to discuss the current state of his country and its current relationship with the United States. Published March 10, 2025
Childish hissy fit: Why some federal workers can’t describe their own job to DOGE
Federal workers across the U.S. government received an email Saturday, instructing them to report their work accomplishments from the previous week in about five bullet points. Published February 26, 2025
Like Trump, Polish conservatives fighting a stacked deck in election battle
When Donald Trump announced he would seek the U.S. presidency yet again in 2024, he faced what seemed like insurmountable odds. Published February 13, 2025
Racism played role in Harris’ loss, but not in that way
The Democrats chose Kamala Harris as their 2024 presidential nominee. But nothing about the nomination process was normal or regular. Published December 20, 2024